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Firm for the Culture | I'm Second Guessing Myself Again.
The Middle is where magic happens. | I am what an Intellectual Property Attorney looks like.
Whether it’s a new hire we’re am onboarding, a new workout regimen I am undergoing, or even a new hard copy journey I am cracking open to pen my thoughts; I love the possibilities of prosperity and purpose that are centered in my sentiments around hopeful beginnings.
But as the days go on, and the new hire isn’t acclimating as quickly as I expected, or the workout regimen is proving difficult to sustain, or the beautiful and elaborate reflections I just knew I was going to write in my new journal have not actually come to fruition, I start second-guessing.
Maybe you’re months into a new project and you realize it’s going to take longer than anticipated.
Maybe your marketing plan is not working the way you envisioned it.
Or maybe, just maybe, you realize you actually made a mistake and should pivot quickly to avoid further complications.
To this I say one thing: Welcome to the meandering journey of purpose.
Grab a seat and a cup of coffee, you’re going to want to dive into this founders’ letter today.
We’re going to chat about three ways to stay on the journey when the middle seems to be kicking your butt.
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[IP ASK ME ANYTHING]: Licensing Do’s and Don’ts
If you’re a social entreprenuer looking to scale your impact, this AMA is for you.
Dive into the exciting world of creating revenue generating social impact through trademark and copyright license agreements.
In this upcoming session, we’re going to delve into the realm of IP, discuss its relevance to organizational impact, and explore methods to maximize your IP’s potential.
Through real-life examples of powerful, high-revenue generating brands in the social impact space, you’ll be inspired to dream big and consider innovative ways to leverage their own trademarks and other forms of IP.
Whether you’re an established social entrepreneur or just getting started, this session will provide invaluable insights to transform your approach to IP management.
Time: October 19, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. PDT | 1:30 p.m. EDT
Location: Virtual (Details In Confirmation Email)
Second Guessing the Sojourn: Moving Through Mid-Journey Doubt
In an industry hit with massive layoffs, businesses going under, and numerous setbacks, it seems like a miracle to announce that Firm for the Culture is coming up on its fourth year in business.
In these four years, we’ve grown, personally and professionally.
The firm has hailed at a 95% win rate at the USPTO.
We’ve served over 230 clients, and we’ve conducted hundreds of workshops to bring intellectual property services and education to our diverse founder community:
But this journey has not been without second guessing, feelings of hopelessness, and doubt.
It’s amazing what lessons you receive over and over again until you’ve learned to master them, however.
The biggest and most important lessons I’ve learned thus far: The middle of your journey is where your purpose is tested.
Early mornings and late nights have been the theme of this season for many.
If you’re anything like me, this has been a year of trusting yourself, especially in times when it didn’t make sense to anyone else but you.
Perhaps you bet on yourself when others had doubts.
Perhaps you’ve switched jobs, moved to a new city, or left a relationship behind when your friends told you to stay put.
Or perhaps you let go of the team member after realizing it wasn’t a good fit.
Don’t let the scars of the overcome battles convince you that the fight for your purpose is over.
Take a break, dust yourself off, and get back in the ring.
Your purpose is calling.
For many, silence is the most uncomfortable part of meandering the middle.
For example, this year, we decided to start saying “no” to potential clients who we felt could better be served elsewhere.
And while it felt amazing, in theory, to redirect folks to the resources that could better serve them, it was terrifying to let go of the contacts who helped us stay in our comfort zone.
Perhaps you’re in a similar space where you know you have to keep on saying “no” even as you’re waiting on your “yes.”
This is the season where your patience is going to be tested, refined, and perfected.
Indeed, with the trademark application process getting longer and longer year after year, we’ve helped hundreds of clients turn their attention to business development as their brands were being protected at the USPTO.
Patience doesn’t necessarily mean you have to pause, perhaps you’ve gotta go a little further down on your “to-do” list to see what else can be done as you wait for your “yes” to take shape.
Protracted patience is par for the course as you’re engaging your purpose.
Courage is not the opposite of fear. Indeed, it’s the crop that harvests on a foundation of fear and reticence.
Perhaps you’re launching a new service offering and you’re not quite sure how your community will receive it.
Perhaps you’re making your first big hire while others in your field are shutting down their businesses.
Or, if you’re anything like, perhaps you’re choosing to take a break when hustle culture is telling you it’s time to ramp up.
Courage, as I’ve learned, is the necessary trait that will sustain you on this journey.
You’ll need it when you least expect it, but it’ll benefit you greatly in the long run.
Conclusion: The Middle is Where the Magic Happens
It’s easy to think that the middle is where you lose yourself.
Indeed, while you’re further than you were yesterday, you’re not quite where you want to be.
But the middle is so much more.
It’s a chance to step into our vulnerability, forge our new identify, and rise above the self doubt and second guessing.
In other words, now is not the time to stop.
Keep going. God is working.
We at Firm for the Culture are here to guide, support, and walk alongside you every step of the way.
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What are some ways you keep moving through the middle?
Share in the comments below!
And when you’re ready to protect your unique contribution to the culture, including protecting the bold brand you’re building, reach out to us.
Can’t wait to help you protect your dynamic impact.
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Thanks for reading.
See you next time.
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